We live in times when almost everything around us is changing, and in most cases, at a rapid pace.  The tax laws are no exception to this.  With tax season upon us, you are probably planning your annual meeting with your CPA, but perhaps you should consider a different approach.  You and your accountant could and should work as team.  In order to stay ahead of the tax changes, you need to plan for what is coming, and many times, meeting just once a year does not allow the best opportunity to do this.  As a trusted advisor, your CPA is someone that you should consult with on a regular basis, and not just for taxes.  Your accountant can provide consulting services to help you achieve greater success in a myriad of business and personal financial matters.

You may also want to consider bringing additional talent to your "team."  You work with your CPA to do tax planning, a financial advisor to manage your investments and an attorney to oversee your legal matters.  They each hold pieces of knowledge that affect what the other does.  In working together, your professional services providers are able to coordinate what they are doing and/or recommending to ensure that you are receiving the most comprehensive and holistic counsel, and that they are not doing anything that may negatively impact each others' services to you.  As you consult with your accountant and/or other advisors, also consider including appropriate family members and loved ones.  It extends the relationships beyond just you and helps to educate your family on your financial and legal affairs.

Whether it is your CPA, financial advisor, attorney or loved ones - having them work together for you and with you is the best strategy.  They all bring value to your team.

The Alliance is packed with quality members that you can team up with. Consider the following companies, listed under the Accounting/CPA category in our Member Directory: